As a child, I considered such unknowns sinister. Now, though, I understand they bear no ill will. The universe is, and we are. I am ready.

The pain of your absence is sharp and haunting, and I would give anything to not know it; anything but never knowing you at all (which would be worse).

...are you still here? I am unsure how to survive in this place without you. (I am unsure how to be me without you.)

The past is past, now, but that's... you know, that's okay! It's never really gone completely. The future is always built on the past, even if we won't get to see it. Still, it's, um, time for something new, now.

and in the same vein:

Our curiosity goes with you on your journey. You walk in the footsteps of those who came before you, and your path guides those who will follow later.

tell you what, this has been really fun. And I got to help make something pretty cool, so I’ve got no complaints. I mean, not me, exactly, but close enough. It’s the kind of thing that makes you glad you stopped and smelled the pine trees along the way, you know?